A new era in HIV prevention is officially here. With the FDA’s recent approval of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable PrEP that requires only two doses per year, MISTR is stepping up as the first nationwide platform ready to deliver it at scale, free of charge and free of red tape.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Lenacapavir (to be marketed as Yeztugo) is a long-acting injectable treatment that offers up to 99% protection against HIV with just two subcutaneous shots per year. That’s not only a medical breakthrough, it’s a lifestyle shift for thousands who find daily or bi-monthly PrEP regimens burdensome.
“Lenacapavir is a true game-changer,” said Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of MISTR. “It’s discreet, easy, and built for real life. That simplicity means more people can actually stay on PrEP, especially those who’ve struggled with adherence in the past.”
Why Lenacapavir Is a Big Deal
Unlike previous injectables, Lenacapavir is administered subcutaneously, in the belly fat, rather than through painful intramuscular shots. The reduced discomfort, combined with the ultra-low frequency of injections, makes it a highly accessible option for individuals who face barriers like unstable housing, stigma, or limited access to consistent care.
“For people dealing with stigma or unstable healthcare access, two shots a year can literally mean the difference between protection and risk,” Schukraft said. “And if you get it from MISTR, it’s completely free.”
MISTR’s “No Barriers” Model
MISTR is uniquely positioned to lead the Lenacapavir rollout thanks to its hybrid model, a fusion of nationwide telehealth access and localized in-person care. The platform operates storefronts in seven major LGBTQ+ neighborhoods:
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West Hollywood (Los Angeles)
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The Castro (San Francisco)
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Hell’s Kitchen (New York City)
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Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale)
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Northalsted (Chicago)
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Oaklawn (Dallas)
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Las Vegas
For patients outside these hubs, MISTR has activated a network of 65+ community-based providers to ensure national coverage. But accessibility isn’t just geographic, it’s financial, too.
“We’re the only national telehealth platform that makes PrEP completely free for uninsured patients,” Schukraft explained. “About 70% of our patients are insured, and when they get their PrEP through us, they help cover the cost for the 30% who aren’t. It’s care that pays it forward.”
Even for insured individuals, there are no co-pays, no surprise bills, and no paperwork headaches. MISTR takes care of everything: eligibility, lab work, doctor visits, scheduling, and follow-ups, all free and confidential.
Filling the Gaps Public Health Leaves Behind
As public health budgets face increasing cuts, MISTR is proving that private platforms can step in where the system falls short.
“With public programs under attack, we’ve shown it’s possible to serve over half a million people, without billing the government or the patient, and to do it faster and more equitably,” said Schukraft. “The healthcare system is broken for too many. We didn’t wait for it to be fixed, we built something better.”
And with Lenacapavir now in the mix, that “better” solution is evolving even further. MISTR expects to begin offering the injectable PrEP option shortly and encourages interested patients to visit mistr.com to sign up.
“Ending HIV is absolutely possible in the next few years,” Schukraft said. “But only if we get more people on PrEP. With Lenacapavir and MISTR, we’re making that future real, one shot at a time.”
